Virtual Magnifying Glass for Precise Touch Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Touch screen devices face challenges in precision pointing due to the large contact surface of fingers, which hides the display and makes it difficult to select small interface elements, especially when accessing websites or applications designed for conventional computers, and Apple's solution is limited in scope and usability.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an initialization tool that triggers a virtual magnifying glass at a specific position on the user interface, with a validation tool causing the cursor and magnifying glass to move proportionally, allowing precise selection of elements by lifting the validation tool or using a separate selection tool, enabling precise targeting of small items without losing the overview of the interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a finger is used to interact with the touch screen, then the interface can be operated, but the precision of pointing is low because the contact surface of the finger is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual magnifying glass as an intermediary tool between the user's finger and the screen elements. This magnifying glass acts as a mediator that translates the large finger contact area into precise selections by focusing and enlarging a specific region of the screen, allowing the user to point accurately at small elements without needing a traditional mouse or stylus
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a dimensional transformation by introducing zooming capability. The virtual magnifying glass allows the user to transition between different scales of viewing - from the overall screen context to a magnified view of specific elements. This dimensional change in the interface representation enables precise selection of small elements while maintaining the ease of finger-based operation
2Ease of operation
If the finger contact surface is used for selection, then the interface can be interacted with, but the element to be selected may be smaller than the contact surface of the finger
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual magnifying glass serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the large finger contact surface and the small elements to be selected. By dynamically adjusting the magnification level and position of the magnifying glass, the system allows the user to maintain easy finger-based operation while achieving precise selection of elements smaller than the finger contact area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of interface element size through virtual magnification. The magnifying glass dynamically adjusts the displayed size of screen elements, transforming small elements into larger, more selectable targets while maintaining the original interface layout. This parameter change allows the same physical finger action to effectively select elements of varying sizes
3Measurement precision
If a traditional mouse is used for precision pointing, then small elements can be selected accurately, but the device cannot replace conventional computer functions and access to PC-designed websites is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal interaction model that combines the ease of finger-based operation with the precision traditionally requiring a mouse. The virtual magnifying glass system can handle both large and small element selections, making it adaptable to various interface designs from mobile applications to PC websites, thereby achieving multi-functionality without requiring device-specific optimizations
Data Source
Figure 1~9
Figure 10~16
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for selecting at least one element (4) of a user interface (2) characterised by including the following steps: one step during which an action of an initialisation tool (5), positioned in an initialisation position on the user interface (3), triggers the display of a virtual magnifying glass (6) encompassing the initialisation position; followed by a step during which an action of a validation tool (6 or 14) triggers the display of a cursor (8) in the magnifying glass (6), centred on the initialisation position; followed by a step during which any movement (9) of the validation tool (6; 14) causes an identical movement (10-11) of the cursor (8) and the virtual magnifying glass (6) on the interface (3) and which is dependent on the movement of the validation tool (6; 14); followed by a step during which at least one element (12) of the interface (2) is selected when the validation tool (6; 14) is raised from the interface (2) or a selection tool (13) is placed on the interface.